Coast Guard HC-144A Ocean Sentry
The New USCG Medium Range Surveillance Aircraft (MRS)
The Coast Guard is adopting the HC-144A Ocean Sentry, a derivative of the well known CASA CN-235-300, to serve as its new medium range surveillance aircraft.
The Coast Guard has accepted delivery of three HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircraft. The HC-144A is derivative of the CASA CN-235-300, a twin turboprop fixed-wing aircraft that has good on-scene loitering capabilities and is capable of performing multiple missions.
Multiple Mission Cabability - In Coast Guard parlance, the Ocean Sentry is known as a Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The HC-144A can serve a number of purposes and will replace the current HU-25 Guardian used by the service. Missions include:
- Search and Rescue (SAR) - Conducting aerial searches and delivery of safety equipment like portable pumps and liferafts to people in distress
- Maritime Security - Aircraft patrols focused on drug interdiction, illegal fishing, and border security
- National Defense Support - Aircraft are used to support military readiness and joint exercises
- Protection of Natural Resources - Airborne surveillance of oil spill and other environmental incidents. Detection of ghost nets and marine debris
- Natural Disasters - Command and control of on-scene responders during natural disasters. Logistical support of personnel and materials needed in an emergency relief response
HC-144A Ocean Sentry Specifications - The CASA CN-235-300 aircraft that the Ocean Sentry is based on is used by armed services in 23 nations. In its Maritime Patrol Aircraft configuration, the HC-144A will have a range of 1,565 nautical miles (2,898 kilometers) and well be able to remain aloft for nearly nine hours. The aircraft is powered by two General Electric CT7-9CE turboprop engines, similar those used in the Coast Guard HH-60 helicopter. The Ocean Sentry operates at up to 236 knots (437 kilometer per hour). Its crew consists of two officers and three enlisted personnel. Aircraft avionics include Rockwell-Collins glass cockpit displays, APS-143C multi-mode radar, and forward looking infrared/electro-optical sensors.
HC-144A Mission Systems Pallet (MSP) - A standardized pallet of electronic equipment has been developed for the Ocean Sentry that allows quick roll-on and roll-off the aircraft. MSP allows access to a number of on-board systems and a wide variety outside sensor capabilities. They include:
- Voice and data communications from surface vessels, law enforcement agencies, and shore facilities via UHF, VHF, HF and commercial satellite systems
- Networked Command and Control (C2) system that provides Common Tactical Picture (CTP) and Common Operating Picture (COP) resources
- Automatic Vessel Identification Equipment (AIS)
- Surface search radar
- Electro-optical/infrared surveillance and search system
- Electronic surveillance measures equipment
The Coast Guard plans to initially purchase a total of eight HC-144A aircraft once formal operational test and evaluation of the Ocean Sentry is completed. Ultimately the service will secure 36 mission capable aircraft by 2020.
